It was watched round the world, from Iran's English language service to the bars of New York. There were congratulations from Pope Benedict, Barack Obama and David Cameron. And then there was the Chilean restaurant in south London.

In the House of Commons, the prime minister spoke of the glorious television images of the rescue: "I am sure everyone would like me on their behalf to send best wishes to the president and people of Chile as they celebrate the trapped miners coming to the surface.".

World leaders sought to associate their countries with the joyful scenes. In South Africa, President Jacob Zuma said the population there would be rejoicing: "Having a strong mining culture like Chile we can fully empathise with the fears and anxieties of those that have suffered this terrifying experience."

In Washington, Obama praised the rescue teams, including US workers from Center Rock Inc Pennsylvania.

In a Chilean bar called Pomaire in New York, Palta Melendez, a comedian from Copiapo, the city nearest the mine, turned up with yellow miners' hats so the clientele could empathise. "Faith can move mountains and this mountain was moved by faith," he told the New York Times. "It's pure happiness."

From Rome, the pope sent a message in Spanish that he "continues in hope to entrust to God's goodness" the mens' fate. In Madrid, two musicians told Rolling Stone magazine that they would be composing songs for each of the miners.

Rafa Sánchez said: "The idea of dedicating a personalised song to each of the trapped workers came about because of the huge emotional impact that the news had on us and the anguish and uncertainty of the families – but we've got no personal ties to them."

Guido Westerwelle, the German foreign minister, spoke of "a little modern miracle" on ARD television: "I would like to express my respects for the Chilean government and people who are now celebrating in joy but of course held out for weeks, didn't give up on anyone and worked to protect and save every life," he said.

Other responses were less respectful. A Mexican tweeted that had the men been his countrymen they would have come up in the US; and Guillermo Kozub, an Argentinian, chipped in: "In Argentina they'd call the rescue a miracle. In the rest of the world they call it planning."

There was little sign of celebration at the Chilean restaurant El Vergel in south London – no television showing the rescue, no dancing on the tables and certainly no bursting into patriotic song. As English lunchtime diners quietly ate their empanadas and salad, owner Stella de Garcia said: "What's there to celebrate? The rescue is a PR stunt by a billionaire president. We're pleased that the miners have got out, but really they should not have been down ... [the]mine in the first place.

"It is a health and safety issue. Chileans have a black sense of humour and we reckon they've all had to sign contracts not to criticise the president before they're let out – it certainly looks like it. It's atrocious really, what he's getting away with. There will still be a picket when he comes to speak at the LSE next week."